Israeli institute says 22 killed, over 4,800 displaced since start of war

JERUSALEM / ISTANBUL

At least 22 Israelis have been killed and more than 4,800 displaced from their homes since the start of the war with Iran, according to data released Friday by an Israeli research institute.

The Institute for National Security Studies said more than 5,000 people have also been wounded in attacks on Israel since the war began Feb. 28, with Iran launching more than 550 missiles and over 765 drones toward the country during the same period.

More than 4,800 Israelis have evacuated their homes, with the largest number - about 1,515 - from Tel Aviv, the institute said. In southern Israel, about 975 people were displaced from Dimona, 600 from Arad, and 505 from Beersheba.

Additional evacuations included about 650 people from Beit Shemesh west of Jerusalem, 160 from Bnei Brak, 80 from Ramla, 75 from Givatayim, and 45 from Ramat Gan in the Tel Aviv area. Smaller numbers were reported in other locations, including Kiryat Shmona, Tirat Carmel, Emek Hefer, Holon, and the Arab towns of Kafr Qasim and Zarzir.

Evacuees are being housed in hotels in the southern city of Eilat at government expense during periods of escalation, the institute said.

The figures come as Israel's Health Ministry said earlier Friday that the number of injured had risen to 5,492 since the start of the war.

The conflict began Feb. 28, when Israel and the United States launched attacks on Iran. Tehran and Hezbollah have since responded with ongoing missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli cities and settlements.